RIYADH, 31 March 2004 — The Saudi British Bank (SABB) and Sejel Technology Co. Ltd. have signed an agreement to electronically handle payments of Umrah visa fees on a global basis. Sejel Technology operates the Umrah Network and Information Center under license from the Ministry of Haj.
Geoff Calvert, managing director of SABB, said the Ministry of Haj was in the process of completing the reorganization of Umrah procedures and to finalize the use of e-government technology to improve the Umrah pilgrimage visa process. The arrangement between Sejel and SABB will enable pilgrims to electronically apply and pay for their Umrah packages through authorized agents abroad. SABB has used its technology expertise to develop a customized solution for Umrah visa fee payments. It will be implemented through electronic channels as well as the 75 branches of SABB in Saudi Arabia and the HSBC Group’s global network of more than 9,500 offices in 79 countries.
